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Tampa & Sarasota Felony DUI Lawyers

Florida Felony Driving Under the Influence Attorneys

Although most DUI (driving under the influence) cases are charged as misdemeanors, certain DUI offenses are classified as felonies as per Florida law. Multiple DUI convictions and DUIs that cause accidents or death are typically classified as felonies, with the minimum penalty of 1 year in state prison, along with fines, counseling, substance abuse, and other penalties.

A Tampa or Sarasota, Florida felony DUI charge requires the special attention of a criminal defense lawyer who knows the particular defense techniques and strategies associated with a felony or multiple DUI case. Often the first and best place to start to work to have your felony DUI charge reduced to a misdemeanor, where the penalties are not so harsh. In a multiple DUI case, this may include discrediting your previous driving under the influence convictions. In other cases, this may include experts to discredit your blood alcohol evidence. By working with the prosecution from the beginning, your Tampa felony DUI attorney will make sure the only evidence and information seen is not just what the police have provided, but that your side of the story is made known.

Common Felony DUI charges in Florida

In Florida, a typical DUI charge is escalated into a felony charge by one or more of the following factors:

DUI resulting in an injury accident

DUI resulting in a fatal accident

3rd DUI conviction within 3 years of prior convictions

4th DUI conviction, at any time

Often a person with a felony multiple DUI conviction will have to have in ignition interlock device (IID) installed in their car, which acts as a breathalyzer and tests your blood alcohol level. The car will not start unless the test is passed.

Avoid the stress and difficulty of a felony conviction. Work with a felony DUI lawyer at Finebloom & Haenel who can work to reduce your charges, sentence or even get your case dismissed.